How to Mist a Bird - An Essential Part of Parrot Husbandry

How to Mist a Bird - An Essential Part of Parrot Husbandry

How to Mist Your Bird

One of the best bird care habits to develop is daily misting or bathing. Yes, birds need baths even in the winter, too. Don't worry that your bird will get chilled unless it is sick or left in a drafty location  And, even if your bird is bald, it needs to take a bath for healthy skin.  

Birds can be taught to enjoy misting. 

Consider this. Your bird is actually from a tropical location where, in the wild, they get rained on throughout the day. Their skin and feathers rely on daily showers to stay clean and supple.

Those showers have several benefits:

  • Showers cleanse the feathers and skin allowing for preening to be safe and effective
  • Showers moisturize the skin, a must our dry, climate controlled homes.
  • Showers soften the keratin feather sheath for more comfortable molts
  • A good spritz actually encourages healthy preening as your bird has to work each feather to get all of the barbs aligned properly.

The bottom line is that misting your bird has many benefits. 

 

BRING A RAINFOREST MIST BATH INTO YOUR
PARROT BATHING TIPS

#1: CHOOSING THE MISTER BOTTLE: You'll definitely want to use a quality bottle with a mist function. If you wish to use tap water, make sure to use a brand new spray bottle that has never been filled with chemicals.  A continuous pump-style spray bottle may be helpful for some birds. These are a must if you have arthritis in your hands. 

#2: CONVINCING YOUR BIRD: Some birds are resistant to being sprayed, but it's easy to train them to look forward to the daily spritz! If your bird has been sprayed as punishment in the past, you'll have to double down on your "fun factor" efforts. Either way, grab your clicker and treats, and let's get started!

1. Approach bird misting with a fun, lively attitude.  Make training a game. Speak in a lively voice and act like this is a super-fun experience. It won't be long until your bird looks forward to a daily bath,
2. Point the nozzle up and over the bird versus a direct spray to the side of the body.  This will allow the droplets to land gently on the bird. Give your pet a favorite treat each time you spray the trigger. Start off slow and work up to a good soaking.
3. Once your bird is accepting being sprayed, start rewarding your bird for fluffing up its feathers so that the moisture gets on every feather. Then, reward as your bird when it lifts its wings allowing cleansing in this sensitive area.
4. Progress toward ensuring that all areas are sprayed and cleaned, including feet and the preening gland that is above the tail.  Think of the area that is right above your butt crack. A lot of hand-fed birds don't know where their preening gland is so this will help them know.
5. Start off slow, with just a few pumps to the bottle and reward frequently.  Keep the whole thing very animated.  

 

In no time, you'll have developed an essential parrot husbandry habit that is goof for your bird, good for your own respiratory health and minimizes dander in the home. 

(Our 100% Natural Aloe Vera Spray from UnRuffledRx is one of our customer favs. Check out our product and reviews in our store.)

 
 

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